RadNet Responds to Revised Breast Screening Guidelines

In response to new guidelines suggesting that women begin regular mammogram screening later in life and reduce its frequency, RadNet affirms its support for the more vigilant existing guidelines advocated by American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI). The existing guidelines advises annual mammography starting at age 40, a standard practice in the U.S. for the past 20 years. 

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recently issued a recommendation that women aged 50-74 get screened every two years, and that women aged 40-49 should get mammography screening as their individual circumstances warrant.

As Debra Monticciolo, MD, FACR, chair of the ACR Breast Imaging Commission, notes in a recent article, “Experts agree the new USPSTF guidelines seem to stray from the science.”

RadNet advocates the ACR/SBI guideline, as it delivers the maximum lifesaving benefits and morbidity prevention from breast cancer. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also advises annual mammography starting at age 40.

Above all, RadNet is dedicated to the health of patients, who may be confused by conflicting recommendations from research organizations. Since even the recent ACS report acknowledges that the most lives are saved by annual screenings starting at age 40, RadNet strongly encourages women to choose this approach for the early detection of breast cancer and to discuss concerns with their physician.

Dr. Monticciolo’s complete editorial can be found here.